Velo Vino, Episode 1: René Vietto (Côtes de Ventoux 1988) – A toe in the door

An auction lot of six dusty cycling-themed bottles of wine from the 80s provides the inspiration behind Velo Vino, a podcast mini-series that explores some tales from the pro peloton's history through rosé-tinted spectacles.

Cycling journalists Felix Lowe and Graham Willgoss invite you to join their trip down memory lane with professional wine buff Chris Maybin as they uncork these aged bottles and sift through the stories and sentiments behind the sediment.

In episode 1, the journey from barrel to bidon begins with our intrepid tasters cracking open two bottles of Côtes de Ventoux, produced in 1988 to commemorate the life and career of the legendary French climber René Vietto. The trio discuss the achievements of a quasi-tragic figure who twice came so close to winning the Tour, while Chris explains the potential perils of reacquainting pedal-powered plonk with oxygen after the best part of four decades in a bottle. Special guest Max Leonard (author of Lanterne Rouge and Higher Calling) also addresses the infamous myth that remains synonymous with Vietto’s career – the claim that he ordered a doctor to remove a part of his body during the 1947 Tour de France.

All four episodes of Velo Vino are brought to you in association with Rouleur magazine and Nyetimber, the English sparkling wine producer and proud backer of British Cycling. Slip into the sipstream of Felix, Graham and Chris as they raise a glass to some Grand Tour tannins of yesteryear.

Produced by Matthew Vines.

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